AFVGA

Registration for the AFVGA Conference Nov. 21-22 is open. Over 20 seminars will cover a variety of topics including strawberry disease, fertigation, industrial hemp and orchard weed management. Visit afvga.org to learn more.

-Hunter McBrayer, executive director

Beef

Early this month, I traveled to Japan with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Our group made retail, foodservice and ranch visits and learned how American producers can capitalize on the Japanese market, which now allows American beef to enter the market regardless of age. USMEF estimates expanded access could increase U.S. beef sales to Japan 7-10%.

-Brady Ragland, division director

Forestry

Great Southern Wood’s Abbeville Fiber facility in Henry County will bring 115 jobs to the area. Abbeville Fiber received its first load of logs in July and will increase production over the next year to accept 80-90 loads per day. The $40-million investment to renovate the former WestPoint Stevens building is the largest in Henry County’s history.

-William Green, division director

Pork

As we transition into fall weather and add new-crop corn into feed, we can expect to see an anticipated rise in market weights for Alabama hogs. What better time for this to happen than with International Bacon Day, also celebrated this month. Grab a BLT and enjoy the cooler temperatures this September.

-Russ Durrance, division director

Peanuts

The National Peanut Board recently launched a new page for school nutrition professionals: PeanutsInSchools.org. The page is a repository of articles addressing common questions and concerns about peanuts in schools, from peanut nutrition and peanut recipes to food allergen management.

-Jacob Davis, executive director

Cotton

The National Cotton Council has initiated a pilot of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, a program designed to confirm and increase awareness that U.S. cotton producers farm responsibly and strive for continuous improvement. Producers’ first step in the program is completing a self-assessment covering nine categories. The protocol will be fully implemented in 2020. Learn more at trustuscotton.org. 

-Carla Hornady, division director